Excellence in Teaching
LINDEN CRAIG is a clinical associate professor in the pathobiology department of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Linden teaches general pathology, small animal orthopedics and surgical pathology.
suzanne lenhart, professor of mathematics, says her main goal is to help her students understand the “big picture.” Every semester, she adapts her teaching approach based on information from students about their majors and their math and science backgrounds. She also uses that information to include realistic examples wherever possible. In addition to teaching, Lenhart also serves as the director of the Department of Mathematic’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. She often takes students to conferences with her so they can fully experience the mathematical community. Lenhart says she considers mentoring one of the most important parts of her job and works with high school students in an after-school club, as well as graduate students and post-docs at national meetings.
MALISSA PEERY is a lecturer in the department of Mathematics who teaches college algebra and basic calculus, among other courses.
james plank, professor of computer science for the past 15 years, is one of the most popular teachers in the department -- not because he is considered an easy professor, but because students get useful information from his courses, as well as his reputation as an entertaining, engaging teacher. Plank has developed an interactive computer science lab for the first two introductory undergraduate courses. This environment gives students an opportunity to get immediate feedback that is relevant to their next programming assignments. His nominator writes that Plank “continually strives to devise better teaching techniques, and the computer science students are the better for it.”
lynn sacco, assistant professor of history, brings years of law practice and courtroom experience to the classroom. Sacco makes a point to talk to every student; none of them ever sit through a semester feeling invisible. She uses an easy, conversational tone in the classroom and includes audio and visual materials to help give her students a better idea of life in the past. Her excellence in teaching can be wrapped up in her teaching philosophy. She says, “When I see a bored or disinterested face, I remember myself at that age. And I make eye contact and smile at that student, and I work harder.”
COLIN SUMRALL is a paleontologist and lecturer in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Colin specializes in fossils, teaching courses focusing on dinosaur extinction, evolution, ecology and the nature of fossil records. His research centers on understanding the paleobiology of extinct starfish and their allies.
